Sunday, 26 October 2014

I think this would have to be my prettiest knit ever. It is the first shawl and lace knitting I have done; the Settler shawl designed by Libby Jonson. I used Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply yarn, a gorgeous merino. The magic of the shawl comes once it's blocked; when the knitting is complete. Blocking stretches the lace open and it becomes a thing of beauty, such a lovely pattern.
The dress I am wearing with it is a Moneta by Colette Patterns. I made the medium size and the only alteration was to add 5" to the length. The fabric is a knit viscose from The Fabric Store in Auckland and it has the most beautiful drape. It feels very soft and flowing. I think the dress also goes well with my Myrna cardigan that I made last month. I actually made the dress in July but it has been just too cold to wear, even today it's still a little too cold. Our spring has certainly been changeable so far, in fact I've just finished lighting the fire! Despite the cool temperatures I am pushing on with making my summer wardrobe in the hope that warmer weather is on the way. Wendy xx

Monday, 13 October 2014

Last week Jenny of Elefantz kindly offered a free pattern and a daily tutorial to make the Holiday Hostess table topper. I had been feeling in a bit of a slump with my quilting but this project was just the inspiration I needed. The instructions included finding a fabric that lent itself to being fussy cut; I didn't have much to choose from and in the end settled on a vintage Christmas postcard fabric. Jenny's tutorial was excellent and easy to follow along; my only difficulty being when my cat decided to fall asleep on the topper as I was trying to quilt it! I really appreciate Jenny's generosity in sharing this pattern, I am sure the tutorial must have taken lot of time to prepare! Thank you. Wendy xx

Tuesday, 7 October 2014

"To my sweet daughter,Your wee little life has changed me.The day you were born was like a new beginning for me too;A change that will forever lay soft upon my heart.Everything in my life is sweeter because of you.The days and fleeting moments with you are only a breath in time.They linger briefly and fly away on the wings of tomorrow.You are precious in every way;The sunshine in my day, the joy in my soul, and the love of my life." Patsy Gaut

I had such fun planning a surprise 18th party for Charlie and boy was she surprised when four of her friends turned up at the same shopping mall. While they had manicures I was racing around at home setting up a lolly buffet and decorating. It was worth it to see Charlie's face when they came back to our place for dinner, homemade ice-cream cake and girly movies. Happy 18th Charlie, love you forever, Mum. xx

ABOUT US

I live, work, and craft from my home in Hamilton, New Zealand. I share my home with Paul (husband), Charlie (daughter) and Josh (son), and with two cats, two goldfish and three hens. I really appreciate your visits so hope you'll stop in often to see me!